4 I will submit and consent to a parable or proverb; to the music of a lyre I will unfold my riddle (my problem).

5 Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of those who would supplant me surrounds me on every side,

6 Even of those who trust in and lean on their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?

7 None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him—

8 For the ransom of a life is too costly, and [the price one can pay] can never suffice—

9 So that he should live on forever and never see the pit (the grave) and corruption.

10 For he sees that even wise men die; the [self-confident] fool and the stupid alike perish and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names.

12 But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.

13 This is the fate of those who are foolishly confident, yet after them men approve their sayings. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol (the place of the dead); death shall be their shepherd. And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their form and beauty shall be consumed, for Sheol shall be their dwelling.

15 But God will redeem me from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead); for He will receive me. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

16 Be not afraid when [an ungodly] one is made rich, when the wealth and glory of his house are increased;

17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not descend after him.

18 Though while he lives he counts himself happy and prosperous, and though a man gets praise when he does well [for himself],

19 He will go to the generation of his fathers, who will nevermore see the light.

20 A man who is held in honor and understands not is like the beasts that perish.

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